Oracle Corporation represents concentration of technology wealth and power that increasingly influences American media and politics through founder Larry Ellison’s fortune and political activities.

Technology Dominance

Database Monopoly: Controls significant portion of enterprise database market, with critical systems across government and Fortune 500 companies dependent on Oracle technology.

Cloud Infrastructure: Competes with Amazon, Microsoft, and Google in cloud computing, positioning as alternative for enterprises and government agencies.

Acquisition Strategy: Aggressive acquisition history including PeopleSoft, Siebel Systems, Sun Microsystems, and NetSuite, consolidating enterprise software market.

Government Contracts: Major contractor for federal, state, and local governments, providing critical infrastructure for public services and national security.

Political Connections

Oracle’s political influence extends through multiple channels:

Executive Politics: Larry Ellison’s evolution from Democratic supporter to Republican mega-donor influences company’s political positioning.

Government Relations: Extensive lobbying operation influences technology policy, procurement decisions, and regulatory frameworks.

Data and Surveillance: Provides technology infrastructure for government surveillance and data analysis programs, raising privacy concerns.

China Policy: Advocates for technology restrictions on Chinese companies while maintaining complex business relationships in Asia.

Media Dynasty Connection

Oracle’s wealth enables next generation’s media influence:

Skydance Funding: Larry Ellison’s Oracle fortune provided capital for son David’s entry into Hollywood through Skydance Media.

Paramount Acquisition: Oracle wealth indirectly backed Skydance’s 2025 acquisition of Paramount Global, extending tech money into traditional media.

Content Control: Through family connections, Oracle fortune influences CBS News, Paramount Pictures, and associated media properties.

Corporate Culture Impact

Oracle’s business practices influence broader tech industry:

Competitive Tactics: Known for aggressive litigation and acquisition strategies that shaped Silicon Valley business culture.

Executive Compensation: Pioneered massive CEO compensation packages that became standard in technology industry.

Sales Culture: Developed high-pressure sales techniques adopted across enterprise software sector.

Technical Standards: Influences technology standards through market dominance and participation in standards bodies.

Societal Implications

Oracle’s influence raises questions about technology power:

• Market Concentration: Database dominance creates dependencies for critical infrastructure
• Privacy Concerns: Data processing capabilities enable surveillance and tracking
• Political Influence: Wealth concentration allows outsized impact on elections and policy
• Media Control: Fortune enables acquisition of news and entertainment properties

Oracle exemplifies how technology companies accumulate power beyond their core business, influencing politics, media, and society through wealth concentration and infrastructure control. The company’s trajectory from database vendor to enabler of media empire demonstrates evolving relationship between Silicon Valley and traditional power centers.